Mangaluru: The Canara Communication Centre has highlighted the growing role of digital media, technology and artificial intelligence in the Church while addressing questions surrounding the use of diocesan media resources.
The discussion, featured in an interview titled ‘Digital Media Ministry: Navigating Synodal Pathways in a Tech-Driven World’, examines how Church institutions can embrace digital transformation while promoting collaboration and co-responsibility among lay faithful.
Empowering parishes through digital tools
One of the key areas discussed is the provision of zero-cost, no-code websites for parishes.
The initiative is presented as an effort to strengthen lay participation and synodal co-responsibility by equipping parishes with basic digital tools, rather than competing with private website developers and commercial service providers.
The discussion also examines the use of diocesan equipment and trained teams to cover liturgical celebrations and institutional events.
Balancing sustainability and service
The interview distinguishes between commercial profit and non-profit sustainability, particularly in relation to media services.
It explains that modest service fees for streaming and recording can help diocesan media centres maintain equipment, upgrade hardware and renew original software licences.
The approach is presented as a way of sustaining digital media infrastructure while continuing to serve Church institutions and communities.
Focus on digital literacy and AI
The Canara Communication Centre’s wider role in digital literacy, media training and capacity-building also forms part of the discussion.
The interview explores how diocesan media centres can help communities develop practical digital skills while creating opportunities for lay creators and professionals.
It also highlights the growing importance of AI literacy, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly relevant to communication, education and digital transformation.
Navigating concerns and collaboration
The discussion acknowledges concerns about whether Church-run media initiatives could affect the livelihoods of lay media professionals and private businesses.
It explores how the Church can balance economic opportunities for creators with its responsibility to innovate, use resources responsibly and build digital capacity within its institutions.
The full interview is available on YouTube through the Canara Communication Centre.
Watch the full interview: Digital Media Ministry: Navigating Synodal Pathways in a Tech-Driven World #CanaraCommunicationCentre #DigitalMedia #Mangaluru #DigitalLiteracy #AI #Synodality #LayEmpowerment #CatholicChurch #MediaMinistry #NewsKarnataka